likely to win

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to win" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or expectation of someone or something achieving victory in a competition or contest. Example: "Based on their recent performances, the team is likely to win the championship this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Likely to win.

The New Yorker

No party is likely to win outright.

The Economist

Mr Kabila is very likely to win.

The Economist

6. Who's likely to win?

The Washington Post

That's why he's likely to win".

The New York Times

It's huge, and it's likely to win.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Most likely to win the match?

The Guardian - Sport

None are likely to win a medal.

The New Yorker

It looks likely to win about 10%.

The Guardian

Such a programme is likely to win popular support.

The Economist

But as they compete, patients are likely to win.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance clarity by specifying what or why someone is "likely to win". Is it based on skill, strategy, or circumstance? Providing context makes your statement more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to win" when the outcome is highly uncertain or based on limited evidence. Overstating the probability can mislead your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to win" functions as a predictive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate a high probability of success or victory. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely to win" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a high probability of success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news and media, science, and business contexts. While versatile, it's best used with supporting evidence to avoid overstating the probability of an uncertain outcome. Consider alternatives such as "probable winner" or "expected to triumph" to fine-tune the nuance of your prediction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable winner

Focuses on the person or entity expected to achieve victory, rather than the likelihood.

expected to triumph

Emphasizes a more decisive victory or a significant achievement.

poised for success

Highlights the readiness and favorable conditions for achieving a positive outcome.

tipped to succeed

Indicates that experts or informed opinions suggest a high chance of winning.

favored to win

Suggests a preference or advantage that makes winning more probable.

in line to win

Implies a sequential progression or established path towards achieving victory.

odds-on favorite

Uses betting terminology to convey a very high probability of winning.

projected to win

Based on data or analysis, the outcome is forecasted as a win.

virtually certain to win

Conveys a very high degree of confidence in the likelihood of winning.

almost assured of victory

Highlights a nearly guaranteed successful outcome.

FAQs

What does "likely to win" mean?

The phrase "likely to win" indicates a high probability or expectation of achieving victory in a competition, contest, or any situation where a win is possible.

What can I say instead of "likely to win"?

You can use alternatives like "probable winner", "expected to triumph", or "favored to win" depending on the context.

How do I use "likely to win" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Based on recent polls, the incumbent is "likely to win" the election." The phrase is used to express an assessment or prediction of a favorable outcome.

Is it appropriate to use "likely to win" in formal writing?

Yes, "likely to win" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in formal contexts, consider providing supporting evidence for why someone or something is deemed "likely to win".